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Numbers vs governance

This refers to ‘A bloated Cabinet is a really bad idea’ (May 11). What is true about the size of our Cabinet of Ministers for it to function effectively and efficiently is also true about the idea of increasing the number of members of Parliament, via delimitation, as this would likely make our legislative body unwieldy rather than ensure added substance in its deliberations and discussions.

In this digital age, where technology can enhance the administration’s ability to deliver, it is a backward assumption to believe that more numbers equal higher quality governance.

If there is room for more ministers to be appointed, claims and pressure from various interest groups to demand their piece of the cake are bound to increase, making future governments vulnerable to instability and internal disenchantment, which will undoubtedly have an impact on their performance.

Kamal Laddha

Appraise Ministers

Bengaluru

The op-ed “A bloated cabinet is a bad idea” rightly underscored the perils of proliferating ministries — too many cooks, as the saying goes, can indeed spoil the broth.

Yet, it would be remiss to overlook the inherent advantage embedded in such expansion. When ministries are delineated across finance, economy, energy, education, industry, consumer affairs, and social welfare, they enable sharper focus, deeper analysis, and more comprehensive planning.

In a nation where resources remain scarce, this segmentation allows each ministry to channel its energies toward its targeted beneficiaries with greater precision.

Moreover, the systematic appraisal of Key Performance Indicators across these ministries transforms the structure from mere bureaucracy into a performance-oriented framework. In essence, while multiplicity carries risks, it also holds the promise of more accountable, exhaustive, and beneficiary-driven governance.

Roy Markose

Thiruvananthapuram

Promise and pitfalls

Apropos “CERC sends out feelers for ‘capacity markets’ (May 11) Capacity markets are mechanisms where power producers are paid not just for electricity generated but for ensuring availability during peak demand by installing adequate capacity, some of which may remain idle. For generating companies, they promise stable revenue streams, yet raise financial issues if auction rules overcompensate inefficient plants.

The rapid increase in renewable energy capacity complicates matters: while solar and wind reduce reliance on conventional generation, they also demand flexible backup in the form fossil fuels-based generation and battery storage, which capacity markets often under-incentivise.

For consumers, the benefits lie in improved reliability and reduced risk of blackouts. However, unless designed transparently, costs may rise, undermining affordability and equity in the power sector.

O Prasada Rao

Hyderabad

Published on May 11, 2026